The spa at Edinburgh's landmark five-star hotel on Princes Street, directly above Waverley station. Non-resident visitors can book a day spa pass or spa-and-lunch or spa-and-afternoon-tea packages. Book through the Rocco Forte hotels website (roccofortehotels.com) or by phone through the hotel.
The Balmoral Spa, also known as the Irene Forte Spa, is the hotel spa of The Balmoral, the five-star Rocco Forte property at 1 Princes Street on the edge of Edinburgh's New Town. The hotel is a landmark of the Scottish capital, built above Waverley station, so the spa sits in the very centre of the city, steps from the Royal Mile, the Scott Monument and the main shopping street. The setting is that of a luxury urban hotel spa: a refined, quiet retreat from the traffic and crowds of Princes Street, in keeping with the grand Victorian building around it.
The treatment menu centres on massage, facials and body treatments, and the spa also includes a spa and fitness area that guests and day visitors can use. Treatments start from about 60 minutes. Specific product houses and signature rituals change over time, so the current menu should be checked with the hotel before booking. As a hotel spa within the Rocco Forte group, it is generally regarded as one of the more upmarket spa options in Edinburgh, and the staff are professional hotel spa therapists.
Non-residents are welcome. The spa offers day packages that include access for up to about three hours, and these are sold as spa and lunch (around £160 Monday to Thursday and £170 Friday to Sunday) or spa and afternoon tea (around £190 to £200). These prices are indicative and should be verified on roccofortehotels.com. Because the packages are popular, particularly at weekends and on Edinburgh's busy festival and Hogmanay dates, advance reservation is essential; walk-in access is not something visitors should rely on. Bookings are made through the Rocco Forte hotels website or by phone to the hotel.
Visitors should arrive a little before the booked time to change and settle in, and should bring swimwear. The spa suits couples, friends and solo travellers who want a restful half-day in central Edinburgh combined with a meal. Combining a treatment with a package booking is common, and it is worth asking about this when reserving. Opening hours are daily but can vary, so confirmation on the hotel website is advised.
| Price | Gbp: Spa and lunch £160 Monday-Thursday, £170 Friday-Sunday; spa and afternoon tea £190-£200; Usd: Approx USD 214-228 (spa and lunch); USD 255-268 (spa and afternoon tea) |
|---|---|
| Session length | Spa day access up to three hours; treatments from about 60 minutes |
| Hours | Daily; spa day access typically up to three hours; verify hours at roccofortehotels.com |
| Address | The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ |
Treatments
- massage
- facials
- body treatments
- spa and fitness area access
Location
The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
55.9528, -3.1892 View on map
Highlights
- Spa within the five-star Balmoral on Princes Street, beside Waverley station
- Massage, facial and body treatments from about 60 minutes
- Day spa passes for non-residents with up to three hours of access
- Spa-and-lunch and spa-and-afternoon-tea packages
Tips for visiting
- Book well ahead for weekends, as day packages are popular with non-guests.
- Weekend package prices run roughly £10 higher than Monday to Thursday rates.
- Bring swimwear and arrive early to allow time to change before the session.
- Ask when booking whether a treatment can be added to a spa day package.
- Verify current hours and menu at roccofortehotels.com before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-guests use the Balmoral Spa?
Yes. Non-residents can book a day spa pass or a spa-and-lunch or spa-and-afternoon-tea package, with access of up to about three hours.
How much does a spa day at the Balmoral cost?
Spa and lunch is about £160 Monday to Thursday and £170 Friday to Sunday, and spa and afternoon tea is about £190 to £200. Prices should be verified with the hotel.
Is advance booking needed?
Yes. Advance booking is essential, especially at weekends, through roccofortehotels.com or by phone to the hotel.
Where is the spa?
It is inside The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, directly beside Waverley station.